Advanced Planning Group Leader
Description:
Job Summary:
Responsible to guide a team of engineers for the manufacturing processes of sub-assemblies and finished product for a designated manufacturing area. Focus on achieving key product indicators including safety, cost, quality and delivery. Manage continuous improvement projects and determine root cause of production issues. Work is of the technical nature where independent judgment is used and decisions are made within the limits of general practice policies. Works with minimal supervision.
Essential Functions:
Provides leadership and direction to a group of manufacturing engineers/technicians
Reviews and analyzes production, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports to determine root causes of problems
Develops work methods and standards
Develops and maintains process flow diagrams and PFMEA plans
Establishes and maintains certification requirements for appropriate machinery (eg. Work instructions, CVR’s, initial production training sign-offs)
Keeps management team informed of progress, developments and pending problems
Implements lean manufacturing practices such as 5S, Kanban, poka-yoke, visual management, 1-piece flow
Utilizes structured problem solving tools e.g. A3, 5Y, 8D, Ishikawa, PDCA, Six Sigma DMAIC, Shainin, etc.
Leads cross functional teams to support all aspects of manufacturing
Develops goals/objectives and defines metrics to measure performance to the goals for their engineering group
Establishes yearly targets and KPI’s for group. Maintains regular reporting structure for targets and goals to be tracked and communicated. Participates in plant business planning process
Supports plant-wide commitment to meet all International Standards ISO/IATF16949, ISO 14001, VDA, etc.
Performs other duties as assigned
Education:
Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering preferred or Associates of Science degree in an Engineering discipline with relevant work experience
Experience:
5-7 years of experience in an automated or semi-automated manufacturing environment with demonstrated leadership experience
Specific Skills:
Knowledge and understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes
Knowledge of materials and methods of manufacturing
Ability to interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and drawings
Knowledge of electro-mechanical systems
High level of analytical ability where problems are complex
Understanding of manufacturing processes
High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with others
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization both verbally and written
Ability to work in and lead cross-functional teams
Familiar with friction welding, balancing, and paint processes
Familiarity with SAP R/3 enterprise system
German language skills (reading, writing, speaking)
Knowledge of automotive driveline components
Demonstrated proficiency with standard Office applications including Word, advanced Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook
Physical Requirements:
Ability to walk/move about a 500,000+ sq ft manufacturing facility: 80% of the time
Ability to stand/walk/move about specific work area: 75% of the time
Ability to bend/reach/twist/stoop: 40% of the time
Ability to lift up to 30lbs on a frequent basis: 30% of the time
Ability to lift over 30lbs on an infrequent basis: 10% of the time
Ability to push/pull materials using motorized and non-motorized material handling equipment on an infrequent basis: 20% of the time
Ability to sit at a work station: 80% of the time
Ability to work and operate a computer terminal: 80% of the time
Vision is required to analyze and process work; and to work on computer terminal/machine centers, etc.
Hearing is essential for safety reasons; and to communicate with employees, supervisors, managers, vendors, suppliers and customers via conversation, group meetings, and/or phone conferences
Ability to work all shifts and/or flexible hours
Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally: up to 10% of the time